“riverrun, past Eve and Adam’s from swerve of shore to bend of bay bring us back by a commodious vicus of recirculation back to Howrth Castle and Environs.”

Those sturdy enough to navigate the hallucinogenic, recursive, rhythmic prose to the very last page (or clever enough to proceed there right away) discover that the opening sentence is a continuation of the last sentence in the novel: “A way a lone a long a last a long the ” … “riverun” etc. It’s all a loop, where Finn constantly begins again.

We see a multilayered, recursive cycle of beginning again from the point at which we’ve just ended in the cycles of the tragic assault on Syria and its people.

On December 7, 2013, the Islamic Front, a Saudi Arabian rebel concoction, attacked a major weapons depot “belonging to the mainstream Western-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA).” The depot was just on the Syrian side of the Syria-Turkey border. “The Observatory [for Human Rights],” a FSA- sympathizing news source used by the Western media, “said the arms [in the depot] had been brought across the border from Turkey” (Daily Star, Dec 7). Read More

The only plausible scenario that fits the evidence is an attack by opposition forces. Following is a description of the main findings, with each one linked to the evidence that backs it. Who Attacked Ghouta blog, Nov 1

The New York Time article casting doubt on the blame Syria interpretation of the chemical weapons attack is a remarkable event. The mainstream media is carrying what should be carried – questions that speak truth (or the quest for truth) to power.

Before the New York Times article, well before it, we had the blog, Who Attacked Ghouta. On November 1, this open source collaborative gathered enough evidence to reach a conclusion that the attack did not come from the Syrian government. The New York Times article is based on a study by MIT Professor Theodore A. Postol and Tesla Labs analyst Richard Lloyd is significant. Who Attacked Ghouta incorporated their preliminary comments in its analysis and conclusions. Read More

Reuters just broke an exclusive indicating that the U.S. and NATO powers expect Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad to continue as president. Portions of the exclusive are quoted below with comment in italics.

AMMAN (Reuters) – Western nations have indicated to the Syrian opposition that peace talks next month may not lead to the removal of President Bashar al-Assad and that his Alawite minority will remain key in any transitional administration, opposition sources said.

Note: Western backed Free Syrian Army rebels had demanded that Assad step down prior to any negotiations. That didn’t happen. In addition, it is important to ask this: Why would Assad step down when his Army and Hezbollah are winning battles throughout the country?

The message, delivered to senior members of the Syrian National Coalition at a meeting of the anti-Assad Friends of Syria alliance in London last week, was prompted by rise of al Qaeda and other militant groups, and their takeover of a border crossing and arms depots near Turkey belonging to the moderate Free Syrian Army, the sources told Reuters. Read More

Reporting from inside Aleppo makes the case for a government offensive, soon.

Shortly after the Syrian government victory at Qusayr, Operation Northern Storm was announced. In conjunction with Hezbollah fighters, the Syrian Arab Army would attack the rebel-controlled section of Syria’s largest city within days of a June 10, 2012 tip from a Syrian official.

The attack never materialized. The Syrian army approach was more methodical. Regions, towns, and highways were secured approaching Aleppo that laid the foundation for current efforts.

The victory at Qusayr marked a major turning point in the Syrian conflict. After that, the larger city of Homs fell. The Syrian government began winning battles on a consistent basis. Most recently, the battles have taken place around Aleppo. Victories to the north and south of the city have opened up supply routes and provided near by facilities for Syria’s air force.

The recent gains by the Syrian Arab Army near Aleppo positioned the government for a major attack. It appears the attack has commenced. Syrian troops, Hezbollah fighters, and Iranian Revolutionary Guard are openly discussed as part of the battle.

It is worth watching U.S. reaction to the presence of foreign troops on the Syrian side. If it’s muted and there’s no threat of a Western intervention, we can reasonably assume that the defeat of the jihadist dominated rebels is sanctioned by higher authorities, namely the United States and Russia. If Aleppo comes under government control, there is little left for the rebels to do other than counterattack. If they do so and fail, it should be all over except the rebuilding of the war torn country, care for the injured, and the mourning. (Image: SANA)

After weeks of agitation for increased attacks on the Syrian government and its president, Bashir al-Assad, the Saudis signaled a 180 degree change in policy, based on the mufti’s statement. Fighting with the Syrian rebels is no longer a sacred cause, it is something to be avoided, according to the Kingdom’s most important Muslim cleric.

The mufti is not some closet liberal in the Saudi hierarchy. He’s the top religious official in the Kingdom. His statements are used to interpret legal and religious policies. The King of Saudi Arabia, who asked him to speak on the Syrian conflict, appoints him.

Prince Bandar bin Sultan (aka Bandar Bush) has been recruiting Saudis and Sunnis from around the Middle East, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to fight with the so-called rebel cause in Syria. This has been a nightmare for the Syrian people. These are ruthless, religiously inspired jihadists who show no mercy once they’ve taken over a village, town, or city. Read More

Thirteen “good rebel” groups have defected to the Al Qaeda dominated fighters in the attack on Syria. If this proves out, it is, according to Syria Comment, a very “big deal.” It’s more than that, it is a devastating game changer.

These are leading groups in northern Syria, in and around Aleppo, the next target for the Assad regime’s effort to secure the nation. The alliance pulls the rug from under the Obama – Kerry argument that we can arm the rebels while excluding the “bad” dlements. In the north, they should all be considered “bad” (unless one is a fan of Al Qaeda).

THOUSANDS of Syrian rebels have broken with the Western-backed coalition to form a new Islamist force that may pressure President Bashar al Assad but also undermine the West’s hopes of putting its friends in his place. Read More

Imagine that. The wonderful, freedom fighters serving NATO-Gulf state interests by destroying Syria have a dark side. They captured Syrian troops then executed them. They are terrorists, dumb ones at that since the video is their undoing.

The UN high commissioner for human rights has called for an investigation into allegations that Syrian rebels executed dozens of government soldiers captured after a battle near Aleppo.

Navi Pillay said that images of the killings in Khan al-Assal in July were deeply shocking, and highlighted yet again the need to ensure those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law on all sides are made to account for their crimes. Guardian 8/3

“I believe without a shadow of a doubt this is one of the most insane policies that borders on madness – the United States to give funding, training and arms most likely to al Qaida in Syria doesn’t make any sense. This is absolute madness.” Michele Bachmann, R-Minn, McClatchy, July 24